Messages: 6599 Location: Northern Virginia
Registered: August 2006
A boutique visit and the 7047PT
Sat, 22 September 2012 16:06
I was able to go to New York Thursday for the Inside Basel/Geneva event, and stayed over for Friday. Seth from the Madison Avenue boutique hinted they had some amazing pieces on hand that I might want to photograph and share with TimeZone. And wow, was he right!
The Tradition 7047PT/11/9ZU is an amazing piece. It combines the most traditional watchmaking designs of Breguet with modern materials. From the original press release in 2010, "the new "Breguet overcoil silicon balance spring" is found in the Breguet Tradition 7047 timepiece with tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission. Recalling the constructional scheme of the first tourbillon pocket watches built by Breguet, this model is presented in a platinum version with a movement treated with an anthracite-toned grey metal compound. Its surface finish results from a new and improved electrodeposition process involving an alloy of precious metals of the platinum group darker in hue than ruthenium.
The fusee-and-chain transmission connected to the barrel maintains a constant force for as long as the watch is running. A number of patent applications cover the large tourbillon resonator at one o'clock on the watch face, one for a titanium balance and three relating to Breguet silicon balance springs. A further patent was awarded for the power-reserve indicator fitted directly on the barrel."
So, you have a classically designed Breguet Tradition with the open works, in a platinum case, with a titanium balance, and a fusee and chain transmission. Kind of hard to turn a tourbillon into "just another complication," but the technology on this watch comes close.
From the back
and some close ups from the front
The dial with the fusee-and-chain in the background
Better focus on the fusee-and-chain
The tourbillon and power reserve indicator (to the left and above XI)
A very pleasant visit, and thanks to Seth and Nicky for the hospitality, and a very nice espresso! Be sure to stop by if you're in NYC!
- mbohannon